L-histidine
L-histidine is an essential amino acid with an imidazole side chain. Commercial L-histidine is made by bacterial fermentation of sugars, then separated from the broth by ion exchange and crystallized. Brands buy it as a white crystalline powder, either as the free base or as L-histidine monohydrochloride monohydrate, mostly as one part of essential amino acid blends.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Crystalline L-histidine for capsules, tablets and dry blends.
L-histidine HCl monohydrate, more water-soluble; calculate histidine content from the salt.
L-histidine made by bacterial fermentation of corn, cassava or beet sugar; the source and any vegan statement appear on the supplier's spec.
L-histidine tested to the USP monograph, used where a compendial grade is required for supplements.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store L-histidine in tightly closed, lined containers in a cool, dry place away from light and strong odors, and reseal opened packs promptly. Shelf life or retest date is set by the supplier's specification; assay, loss on drying and micro are the usual retest points for older stock.
Record assay and salt form for each lot and calculate histidine content from the salt. Rotate stock FEFO.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 172.320 lists L-histidine among the amino acids that may be safely used as nutrients added to foods.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Under 21 CFR 172.320, added plus naturally present L-histidine may not exceed 2.4 percent by weight of the total protein of the finished food.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists L-histidine with the technical effects flavor enhancer, flavoring agent or adjuvant, and nutrient supplement, and cites FEMA No. 3694.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Workout Supplements monograph lists L-histidine among its essential amino acids, with L-histidine hydrochloride as a source ingredient and a dose range of 49 mg to 220 mg per day.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Raleigh, NC
North American subsidiary of the Ajinomoto Group. It supplies pharmaceutical- and food-grade amino acids made by fermentation, in pack sizes from R&D pails to bulk, plus custom amino acid blends.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include free base, hydrochloride monohydrate, fermented (plant-sugar) grade and uSP grade. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect identity, assay, related substances, loss on drying and residue on ignition and heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store L-histidine in tightly closed, lined containers in a cool, dry place away from light and strong odors, and reseal opened packs promptly. Shelf life or retest date is set by the supplier's specification; assay, loss on drying and micro are the usual retest points for older stock.
21 CFR 172.320 lists L-histidine among the amino acids that may be safely used as nutrients added to foods. Under 21 CFR 172.320, added plus naturally present L-histidine may not exceed 2.4 percent by weight of the total protein of the finished food. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists L-histidine with the technical effects flavor enhancer, flavoring agent or adjuvant, and nutrient supplement, and cites FEMA No. 3694. Health Canada's Workout Supplements monograph lists L-histidine among its essential amino acids, with L-histidine hydrochloride as a source ingredient and a dose range of 49 mg to 220 mg per day.
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